David Copperfield · Character

Mr. Wickfield

Agnes's widowed father, a once-shrewd Canterbury lawyer whose grief and growing appetite for drink leave him dangerously pliant.

supporting

Also known as Wickfield

First appearance: XV: I Make Another Beginning

As a supporting figure in David Copperfield, Mr. Wickfield is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Mr. Wickfield in XV: I Make Another Beginning Book page

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Mr. Wickfield is a respected solicitor whose devotion to his daughter Agnes borders on possessive, and whose sorrow over his dead wife has soured into something he numbs with wine. That weakness gives the scheming Uriah Heep his opening, and the household's slow corrosion becomes one of the novel's quietest horrors. He matters because his decline tests Agnes's strength and gives David a front-row view of how a good man's flaw can be farmed by a patient predator.

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The fuller portrait of Mr. Wickfield sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Wickfield in XV: I Make Another Beginning

Character Web

15 connections

A slice of how Mr. Wickfield sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Family
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central characters and antagonists
Protagonist

+10 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of David's concealed grief and the…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Uriah Heep
psychological · negative
Uriah Heep manipulates and preys upon Mr. How this plays out →
Agnes Wickfield
family · positive
Doctor Strong
friendship · positive
Agnes Wickfield
family · positive
Uriah Heep
psychological · negative
Uriah Heep manipulates and preys upon Mr. How this plays out →
Doctor Strong
friendship · positive
Doctor Strong
friendship · positive
Uriah Heep
psychological · negative
Uriah Heep manipulates and preys upon Mr. How this plays out →
Agnes Wickfield
family · positive

Uriah Heep
Uriah Heep manipulates and preys upon Mr. Wickfield's weakness for drink and guilt, gaining control over his affairs.
Agnes Wickfield
Agnes is the devoted, self-sacrificing daughter who cares for her father and protects him from Uriah's schemes.
Doctor Strong
Doctor Strong is a kind, elderly friend and former employer to Mr. Wickfield, offering him stability and forgiveness.
Agnes Wickfield
Agnes is the devoted, self-sacrificing daughter who cares for her father and protects him from Uriah's schemes.
Uriah Heep
Uriah Heep manipulates and preys upon Mr. Wickfield's weakness for drink and guilt, gaining control over his affairs.
Doctor Strong
Doctor Strong is a kind, elderly friend and former employer to Mr. Wickfield, offering him stability and forgiveness.
Doctor Strong
Doctor Strong is a kind, elderly friend and former employer to Mr. Wickfield, offering him stability and forgiveness.
Uriah Heep
Uriah Heep manipulates and preys upon Mr. Wickfield's weakness for drink and guilt, gaining control over his affairs.
Agnes Wickfield
Agnes is the devoted, self-sacrificing daughter who cares for her father and protects him from Uriah's schemes.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Wickfield in XV: I Make Another Beginning

In the story

Mr. Wickfield appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XV: I Make Another Beginning
Mr. Wickfield is a lawyer in Canterbury who takes David into his home and arranges his schooling.
XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One
Mr. Wickfield is weary and hints at dissatisfaction; he is involved in arranging Jack Maldon's departure.
XIX: I Look About Me, and Make a Discovery
Mr. Wickfield is present at the Strongs' and appears deeply troubled, watching Mrs. Strong and Agnes with unease, and remaining silent during discussions about Jack Maldon.
Wickfield and Heep
Described as 'obsolete' by Micawber; overshadowed by his partner Heep.
XLII: Mischief
Confesses his past doubts about Mrs. Strong, feeling subdued and remorseful.
Agnes
Now a white-haired, reclaimed man; shares the story of Agnes's mother and his own past regrets.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Wickfield unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Wickfield in XV: I Make Another Beginning